Fandom Freak Out: Anticipating TFiOS

If you are yet to read the novel, this post does include spoilers!

 

Yesterday, I booked my tickets for the advanced screenings of The Fault in Our Stars being held next Thursday in the UK(#FeelItFirst), which I couldn't be more excited for. In January last year, I picked up John Green's novel and had my heart cracked like a glass into fragments that I couldn't retrieve. That I still can't retrieve. Having followed this book to movie adaptation since the moment Shailene Woodley was announced as playing Hazel, there are a lot of scenes I'm looking forward to seeing, especially after the faultless trailer that debuted a few months ago - which added to my expectations of the movie. They can't really get much higher.

 

It's been a while since I read the book, admittedly, and with no time to reread, there are definitely things I may have forgotten. However, when sitting in the cinema next week, I'll be waiting to see how the leads bring the characters to life - and the attention to detail throughout the film. In the trailer, Hazel's canulla is always there, and I absolutely love this. It's an honest representation of illness; exactly what the book sets out to achieve. I, for one, also noted the oxygen tank Hazel pulls along, and I felt like applauding the team of people behind this film. When I first found out that Shailene and Ansel - who play brother and sister in Divergent - would be taking on the roles, I was worried. Would I be able to see them as Hazel and Gus? The two teenagers in a relationship? I think so.

 

Remember this?

One of my favourites things about The Fault in Our Stars is how it shows that having an illness doesn't define a person. That we should see past the cannula Hazel wears, for example, as she lives An Imperial Affliction and obsession with America's Next Top Model are all what I want to see in the adaptation - it makes the characters real. Of course, I can't wait to see the first Cancer Kid Support Group, where we hear of Gus' fear of Oblivion. This is perfectly done in the trailer; but seeing the final cut is something I can't wait for. The Cancer Kid Support Group is where it all begins, and it leads straight into my favourite metaphor in the book: "You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing." After watching the clip that was released a few weeks ago, I'm a little hesitant, as Gus does come across quite arrogant. Although, John Green has assured us that the whole scene was cut to be shorter, so hopefully it will be how I pictured it.

 

Issac's storyline is so powerful, and I can't wait to see Nat Wolff take it on; especially now it has been announced that he will be Quentin in the adaptation of 'Paper Towns'. My only worry is that the sub-plot with Monica, that is always present in the book, will only be skimmed over in the movie to keep non-readers interested. Honestly, I would welcome a five hour film if it meant that everything would be included. I've never seen a YA film with a character who is blind, so this is definitely going to be really interesting to see, and I have complete faith that this will be done well.

 

Gus Waters. From his quote-filled family home to funky bones, and his level of wit and charisma, I'm brimming with excitement to see his character brought to life. How he breaks all of his football trophies, his pre-funeral and those phone calls with the familiar tagline, as they were the parts of the book that had me reaching for a box of tissues.

 

On a lighter note, we're yet to see an image or still of Peter Van Houten in character, who seems to have been forgotten! With no idea of what Van Houten looks like in the film, I'm really anticipating his scenes, and the likes of Hazel and Gus visiting the Anne Frank House, and their meal out that we have seen in all of the trailers. Whilst reading, my particular favourite part of the book includes a 'paedophilic swing set', just for the humour and I'm hoping a certain Venn Diagram is featured!

 

Okay? Okay.

 

So, what scenes are you anticipating the most?
When are you planning on seeing the movie? An advanced screening? Opening night?

 

Tell me in the comments!

Sophie
x

Fandom Freak-Out: Anticipating Divergent

I'm yet to see the adaptation of Veronica Roth's novel, as it has only been released in the US so far. I won't say I'm not hesitant when it comes to this movie - I absolutely loved the whole trilogy - as that would be lying. Instead, I watch the trailers and TV spots and can't help but think that the Choosing Ceremony is extremely similar to the Reaping from the 'Hunger Games' and that it has turned into a blockbuster rather than a faithful adaptation of an amazing novel - which shouldn't have to be changed. Even though I say these things, there are parts of the trailer that do make me excited, that make think, "This could be good" - such as Shailene Woodley in her role as Tris, the Ferris Wheel scene and the simulations. So, this is why I've decided to talk about some of the scenes I'm anticipating, as despite being 'nervous' when it comes to seeing the film, I'll be going out on March 4th to watch regardless.

 

One of my most anticipated group of scenes are all the simulations - especially when the one where Tris finds herself surrounded by crows attacking her, which we get a glimpse of in the trailer. The simulation involving the crows seems to have been executed perfectly from what I have seen already, along with when Tris finds herself trapped in a box, and shatters it into small glass fragments. Four's fear-landscape is also one I'm looking forward to quite a bit, when you find out his four fears - for which he got his name - it's quite a powerful scene, especially when Marcus gets involved. With the special-effects, I think these will be the scenes that I enjoy the most, particularly when Tris goes through Four's with him. Since the relationship between Four and Marcus plays such a vital role in the next films/books, this is an important scene that I hope they nail. I wouldn't like to experience the serum myself, though! I really can't imagine how many fears I would have, but I can take a guess, and it would be a nightmare. Literally.

 

Tris' first jump is what defines her as Dauntless, and shows the transgression from her Abnegation self to a rebellious, confident, young women. The jump is dramatic, especially since it's from a building several metres high, but what really stroke me when reading was what happens when she reaches the bottom, and how she becomes first jumper, changing her name in the process and becoming 'Tris' - leaving Beatrice behind. Dauntless Initiation is such a tough-phase for Shailene's character, and I'm early awaiting see the knife-throwing scene, how Eric makes Christina hang from the chasm, and the reaction to a 'stiff' being at the top of the leader-board. I was in love with the world a lot when reading so, when we enter Dauntless head-quarters for the first time, I know my heart will be pounding.

 

When reading Divergent, I adored the game of 'Capture the Flag' that the Dauntless took part in, and I think this will be such a fun scene in quite a serious film. I think I'll be exciting, and even though I know who wins, in the  book this was something I remembered - and still do, even though I last read Divergent in October 2012(which was a year and a half ago). Why else do I love this scene? As it follows straight through to where Tris and Four climb the Ferris Wheel, which I think will look incredible in the scene, as it was filmed where the author set it in the book. That fact makes it all the more special, and so accurate, as this is where the scene was really set. Shailene has impressed me beyond what I expected with the clips I've seen, and even though I'm not cheering about the choice of casting for Four, this will be the scene where I will make my decision on what I really think about the casting.

 

The ending of Divergent is heart-breaking - yet something that is incredibly structured and put together in the book. In cinema, they can achieve so much, and seeing all of the Dauntless there, and also how they have adapted it to fit in with the 12A rating it has is something I'm excited about. The conclusion was my favourite part, in a good way, and at that point, your really understand how a character - a person - can be all of the factions, and how they can have many traits and qualities.

 

As a huge fan of the series, I'm definitely going to be looking for book-quotes and details like Tris' tattoos of the three birds. There have been countless book adaptations that have ignored the smaller-parts that make a character them. I want to be able to see the tattoos decorating Four's back, I want to see Tris jump from the net and land, only to contemplate her name first, I want to see her stop and think before her blood drops onto the burning rocks of Dauntless.

 

Which scene from Divergent are you most excited to see?

If you're in the US, what was your favourite part?

 

Tell me in the comments but,

without spoiling the movie!

Fandom Freak-Out #2 - TFiOS Trailer Reaction

Unless the internet is the bane of your existence, you may have not heard of a small book called 'The Fault in Our Stars', written by John Green, about two teenagers - who are both cancer sufferers - that meet at Cancer Kid Support Group, and fall in love. If you have not yet picked it up,  I can't urge you enough to do so, as it is a beautiful and compelling novel, and, admittedly, a tear-jerker. Why I am writing this post, though? The adaptation of the movie(which will have it's official release in the UK on June 20th) now has a trailer, not the leaked version, but a high-quality one, and it is perfection. Now, this is not cookie dough ice-cream perfection; this is not curled up with a hot-drink and a good book perfection; but instead this is the use of the word 'perfect' that involves staying true to a book when making it into a film - not re-creating it.

 

If you haven't yet seen the amazing trailer - grab the tissues!

 

 

Let's start at the beginning - the beginning of what could be a blabber of completely incoherent thoughts, and I apologise for that! I don't think I could have been more hesitant when it came to the announcement that Shailene Woodley would be playing Hazel-Grace. I have never seen any of her films before, but I was worried, as she is already one of my favourite YA book-characters in the adaptation of Divergent. Even so, I regret doubting her, as not once did I think, when watching the trailer for the first, or fifth, or tenth time, "She's Tris" and I've only just remembered. Woodley has Hazel's mannerisms, actions and voice spot-on, like she came straight from the book!

 

I cried. I couldn't help it. This trailer really brings-across how emotional and heart-wrenching the story is, but it doesn't just do that. It's about hope, and life, and how it's not always perfect but it's what you do with the few infinities. The moment Ansel Elgort - as Gus Waters - appeared in the trailer, after the faultless beginning from Woodley(which is all-so-sweet until the truth hits you), this was around the time I began to sob. I've loved this casting choice for Gus since the beginning, and Elgort didn't let me down, the moment he said the infamous 'Oblivion' line, and then you saw the chemistry as Woodley as Hazel rolled her eyes - in what must be the most accurate description taken from book-to-screen of the 'Literal Heart of Jesus' -  I was drawn-in. There was not a line he said that I didn't remember from the book, and I, for one, was wishing for my own Gus Waters when he told Hazel that she's 'Beautiful.' You can see they are normal young-people, and they want that, and this was also one of my favourite parts of the book, so I honestly couldn't be happier as a fan to see that these castings are more than just believable.

 

One pet-peeve of mine is when the people behind film adaptations decide to change things; decide that the book, that has thousands, even millions, of fans is not 'good enough.' I think this is okay(unintended pun) when it wouldn't translate well on the screen, but with TFiOS, everything works. There is not one moment that I can't see working in June, and I was ecstatic to notice that that was what the people working on the movie must have thought too(only I do think John Green's complete involvement played a huge part). The trailer screamed, "DETAILS!" - and I adored it. For example, Hazel's Cannula, the way she pulls along her Oxygen Tank, the every-day clothing that is so simple, the way they didn't shy away from the fact Issac is blind, and finally the swing-set! I was hoping to see that, as it was part of one of my favourite scenes in the book! It's a gorgeous trailer, beautifully tied-together, and with most of the book-quotes I added to my 'Goodreads' list because I liked them that much, or highlighted when I read it on my Kindle.

 

 It's surprising how much they can fit-into one trailer, but they also leave enough for us to see when the movie is actually-out. It's not all sugar-coated, all about enjoying life, it's raw and honest, and I loved seeing how hard-hitting those parts were, as it did make me realise how I'm not going to be able to watch this in the cinema; although I still will. I have complete faith in this movie being one of, if not the best, adaptation I've seen!

 

"Okay." The final word of the trailer. The most heart-wrenching, gut-churning, tear-jerking moment that they could have thrown in, as if book-lovers did not already have tears pooling in their eyes. I have to admit, If not when we first meet Gus, this may just be my final moment. Okay? I don't think any of us were after seeing it!

 

What was your favourite part of the trailer?

Fandom Freak-Out #1 - TFiOS Movie Poster/Stills Discussion

The first still released by no other than Augustus Waters!

 

2014 is the year that 'The Fault in Our Stars' movie arrives at cinemas, something I am so excited for, as I've got a feeling this will be as close to the book as you can possibly get it. The two year anniversary of the book's release was yesterday, and this means it's a good time to discuss the impending adaptation, since lately, I have been arriving home from school to find movie stills filling my Twitter and Facebook feeds, something I'm not complaining about! The first-look at Shailene Woodley as Hazel and Ansel Elgort as Gus came when the first movie-poster was released, something I can't wait to put up on my bedroom wall. There is a rumour that the trailer for the movie will be released on the 14th Feburary, after a tweet was posted by the directors father(which has been deleted) on New Year's Eve, meaning that we will see it on Valentine's Day! I don't think we'll be seeing the Swing-set scene yet, but here's hoping!

The movie poster has had mixed-reactions - not because people are unhappy about the castings for the movie - but because of the controversial tagline.  I have a love/hate relationship with the fact 'One Sick Love Story' is written across the bottom. This in no way means I dislike the poster; I think that it's a beautiful way to show the romance between Hazel and Gus, as they really do look in love, while not shying away from illness, because you can clearly see that Hazel is ill from the tubes around her nose. You immediately see where the heart of this movie is going to be, and I love this. Of course, I didn't see the tagline straight away, and when I did I personally had to stop and think about it for a while. John Green likes it - and as the author of the book, he knows when a good decision has been made. My main 'problem' with it, is that people who haven't read the book and are not aware that there IS a book, could find it offensive. Fans know that the book shows much more than two teenage cancer sufferers, it shows that they are just like everybody else and deserve the chance to be in love. Although, If I saw this in the street, unaware of what the message of the book was, I think I would avoid seeing the movie. I would think it was being quite blunt, and trying to make a joke with what should be a careful-topic. I understand it; the main reason it was done was to be shocking, was to make people notice it and not hide-away when the topic of Cancer or illness is brought up, and have you ever seen a movie-poster that has made you think so much? I haven't.

One still from the movie appeared on Ansel Elgort's Instagram account(Gus teasing fans!), another was officially released a few days ago, and it's heart-wrenching. When looking at the still from the Anne Frank House, it's easy to admit nobody else could have the chemistry that Shailene and Ansel portray; they look in love, they look like Hazel and Gus with the simplistic clothing, they look like every-day teenagers walking down the street. The only thing is that Hazel's cannula is missing. The still released by Ansel does show Hazel's cannula, something I'm really happy to see as it's shows that they're sticking to the book on even the smallest details. Anyone else notice the chipped bench and broken-flooring?

So, what do you think of the TFiOS poster?

Do you have a love/hate relationship with it?

What are your thoughts on the stills that you have seen so far?

What scene are you hoping will be featured in the trailer on the 14th February, if the rumours are true?

 

Fandom Freak-Out(1) - Atlas, TFiOS, and more HP!

Lately, I've been trying to figure out some new original features that will be fun to read! You may know that as well as running A Day Dreamer's World, I also set up the Goodreads Group 'Fandom Freak-Out' which is place for conversation about the latest book to film adaptations and the most anticipated books coming out next in a series(Right now this is Allegiant for me!). Although, this week there has been a LOT of news floating around the book world.

 

To begin, the first song off the Catching Fire Soundtrack has been officially released both in the UK and US now, and I've found myself turning up the radio everytime I hear it. At first, I didn't really like the pase of the song but, I've slowly warmed to it and think it's perfect when I need some music to play in the background when doing my homework.

 

 

From a fire, to more flames casting for Mockingjay has begun and recently, Julianne Moore has been announced as the latest member of the cast! She will play District 13 Leader President Alma Coin, and despite picturing her a lot differently, I think she will do the role justice! Also, my favourite casting took place a few weeks ago: Annie Cresta will be played by Stef Dawson! This  is such a perfect casting choice; and she looks just like Suzanne Collins described Finnick's love-interest!

 

Stef Dawson will play Annie Cresta! And she is one very lucky
girl!

 

 

At the moment, the movie adaptation of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is filming. If you're a huge fan of the book like me, you would have probably found yourself constantly checking John Green's Twitter page for updates. There have been pictures of him and the cast - including them behind the scenes on set playing table-football and basketball and my favourite, Shailene Woodley(Hazel), Ansel Elgort(Gus) and John using a swing set. I think all of these updates are such a fantastic thing as it makes you feel more involved in the movie. We may not be on set experiencing it, but the tweets and vlogs mean we get to know what's going on, see the cast in costume and follow the process of one of our favourite books being turned into a visual right before us. Anybody else loving the Vlogs from the set?

 

 

Although, there can never just be positive news can there? Sadly, City of Ashes filming(which was due to begin this month) has been delayed indefinitely. This is to give enough time to re-write the script, which supposedly is very different from the actual book and because of the result of the takings from the City of Bones movie. I was really hoping that, after Beautiful Creatures also facing the same problem, City of Bones would do really well. Do you think Hollywood is trying to follow a trend that worked previously? And are there enough book-to-film adaptations for now?

 

You can read about what author Cassandra Clare had to say about the delay here.

 

I guess this is the right time to mention the fact a lot of people will be returning to the Wizarding World soon! Although, I have only read two of the Harry Potter books and seen three of the films, I feel like the brand new screenplay being written has made me finally realise I need to pick up these books. And before the new movie, which will be the FIRST PART of an adaptation of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them(First published in 2001). I am though, quite excited for the reason that it will allow a new generation to fall in love with books. Which is a very good thing.

What has been your fandom freak-out this week? Comment below!